Marc Cherry (Desperate Housewives, The Golden Girls) is said to be developing a new drama for ABC, according to tvguide.com. Reportedly titled Hallelujah, the latest from Cherry is set in an embattled Tennessee town that is, well, saved by its title character, a bringer of “justice, peace, and faith”.

It’s hard to tell from a short description, but it could be an intriguing show, depending on the slant it takes. When I first read the bit of news, it immediately made me think of something slightly supernatural but still primarily a small town drama. You know, kind of Twin Peaks meets Justified. I don’t see Cherry delving too far into science fiction/horror/fantasy (or, for that matter, anything resembling a western), but having that be the pepper in a claustrophobic, intense character drama would make for pretty solid television. As a big horror movie fan, the fact that the character will bring faith to the town made me think of Mrs. Carmody from The Mist, but that may just be me.

We’re still so far away from knowing what’s been picked up to series, so all of this is just a matter of speculation. Hallelujah could be immediately fast tracked and go on to be the next great ABC drama or it could be a hyped pilot that either doesn’t make it to series or gets delayed until the 2012-13 season. Whatever ends up happening with Hallelujah, its development is an encouraging sign that ABC isn’t entirely abandoning high concept television in the wake of its string of reboots/remakes. Network television may be derided for being too safe and not willing to stretch its creative muscles for fear of audience alienation, but it’s those chances that are taken that bring the best results. Granted, risky television hasn't seen the best commercial results; for every Desperate Housewives that has an incredible run, there’s a Wonderfalls or Firefly that didn’t make it out of the starting gates. But those chances are still worth taking.

Are you ready for another show from Marc Cherry? Do you see this making it to series?